Chapter Twenty Eight
At Wits End
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny walked together to Potions. Ginny was explaining to Neville why is arm hurt and he in turn was telling her about her bout of ring around the rosy with Draco. Hermione was telling Harry and Ron what they had done, she was unable to stop laughing when she helped them relive their snog fest. The boys played the shocked grossed out part to a tee, They all laughed over it all the way down to the first floor. The laughter stopped however when they entered the dungeon to meet a very buggered off looking Snape. Then again Snape had the look a lot. Finding their seats quickly, they kept their heads down trying to go unnoticed, failing miserably. The bell rang signaling the start of class and Snape swooped down on them like a big black bird of prey.
"Open you books to page 397, we will be preparing a Wit-Sharpening Potion Professor Dumbledore insists I let you have some of it. Although, those of you who are witless will not benefit from it, it only sharpens the wits not create new ones for those who lack their own. You will need Scarab beetles, Ginger roots, and Armadillo bile along with a tiny amount of Belladonna and Daisy roots. I suppose I should tell all of you that Belladonna is extremely toxic is large amounts so it would be wise to follow the instructions carefully, Begin."
Harry and Ron began to pull out the ingredients to make the potion. Hermione was reading the list back to Neville from her book making sure he understood the correct process. Ginny and Blaze worked side by side in a far from friendly but working team.
"Ok, first we have to boil the water and Ginger root infusion, adding the diced Scarab beetles exactly three and a half minutes after it boils," Looking up at Ron as he spoke to make sure everything was going alright, "Ok now add the Armadillo bile and shredded Daisy root. Stir it clockwise for eight minutes. I'll measure out the Belladonna, we need three milligrams that are put in at the end of the eight minutes. As I sprinkle it in you need to stir counterclockwise for two minutes."
Ron nodded as he finished stirring it for the eight minutes. Harry put in the Belladonna, pulling his wand out to put out the flame at the right time. Ron changed directions with his stirring, releasing the long handled spoon when Harry put out the fire. Looking up Harry saw that Ginny and Blaze had finished already and Hermione was adding the Belladonna. Hermione had barely let go of the spoon and Snape was upon them staring into the cauldrons.
"Not the best I've seen but they will have to do. Everyone take one vile and get out of here."
They all rushed to get their share of the potion, clean up and leave, the bell ringing as they hurried out the door. Hermione turned to look at Snape raising an eyebrow. He returned the gesture and turned away heading for his chamber. Hermione followed her friends out of the dungeon to the great hall for lunch.